Dad Matters Bristol & South Gloucestershire

10/10/2025

Morning all! Today is World Mental Health Day, and a good time to take stock of what helps you with your own mental health, and what mental health means to you. We often hear from Dads or professionals that as Dads and/or Men in general, we're not great at talking about mental health, and I (Jerome) myself absolutely subscribed to that notion before I got to meet all of the candid and brave Dads that are referred into Dad Matters Bristol and South Glos and Home-Start Bristol and South Gloucestershire who inspired me to be like them, and the more candid we can be, the braver we can be, the more we will normalize Men and Dads talking about their mental health, and it'll be for the benefit of themselves, their relationship with their children now, and their children when they become parents themselves, so if you feel able, strike up those conversations. If you don't have anyone in your support network you feel you could have those conversations with, get in touch with us here at Dad Matters UK- that's why we're here. As for me, getting outdoors is key to my mental health- taking the kids out on their bikes, going for a dog walk, however I can get out! In that vein, I'll be popping over to the excellent Oldbury Court (East Bristol Children's Centres) on Monday to join them for their Dad/Male Caregiver Outdoors group. See the flyer below if you're interested and want to pop along to give your own mental health a dose of the beneficial outdoors!

09/10/2025

Whilst I (Jerome) am somewhat of a luddite (I'm secure enough in my subsequent academic achievements to disclose my A Level in Computing some 24 years ago was graded 'Unclassifiable') my wonderful colleague Joe possesses some awesome IT skills and has been on a mission to sort out our new promotional materials, which will be rocking up with us at our forthcoming engagements within Bristol Family Hubs and North Bristol Hospital Trust amongst others! Keep an eye out for them and come and grab a postcard if you see them, they're wonderfully tactile!

23/09/2025

The fine folk at the Haven have announced their 25/26 dates, pop along and see Rosie and Josie if you're in that neck of the woods!

19/09/2025

Jerome and Steve in the media again! With many of South Gloucestershire's Family Hubs being referral only, having Patchway Children's Centre open their doors for Wednesday's drop-ins, not just with us, but with Portage and Relationships Matters and their Stay n Play is amazing! Pop along and have a brew and a chat with Steve, currently popping up there on the second Wednesday every month!

A SERVICE that supports fathers is expanding into South Gloucestershire

10/09/2025

Amazing news on the future of Dad Matters nationally!

Home-Start UK has been awarded a £1 million grant from the 1001 Critical Days Foundation to establish the pioneering Dad Matters programme across the country.

03/09/2025

Hi all. Behind the scenes there has been a lot of work going on rebranding the Dad Matters graphics and resources, here's a sneaky peak at the new colour scheme, keep your eyes peeled for more updates!

06/08/2025

Jenny and Jerome are repping Home-Start Bristol and South Gloucestershire and Dad Matters Bristol & South Gloucestershire today at the Eastville Park National Play, get along to Redcatch Community Garden to see Steve and we also have a stand at the Ardagh too!

01/08/2025

This Wednesday I shall be attending the Eastville Park Play Day and Steve will be at Redcatch, so come along, have a play, have a chat and keep your fingers crossed for sunshine!

On Wednesday 6th August , children, families, and communities across the UK will come together to celebrate National Play Day 2025 .  This year’s theme, Spaces for Play , highlights just how important it is for children and young people to have access to safe, inclusive, and welcoming

30/07/2025

After 11 years in this fine city I do consider myself an honorary Bristolian, but I'll always be a Spurs fan (however a questionable life choice that is) and Harry Kane will always be dear to me, so dead chuffed to see this; good work Harry!

16/07/2025

No, Jerome and Steve aren't about to drop a hip hop album, they're just posing outside the Pathway Family Hub following a productive meeting to determine Steve's imminent appearance at their drop in sessions as part of our expansion into South Gloucestershire!

04/07/2025

However you feel about the Government, I'm sure we can all agree on the need for more advocacy for Men's Mental Health, get on it!

Men’s Health Matters - Have Your Say!

The Government is developing a Men’s Health Strategy for England, and they want to hear from YOU.

Whether you're a dad, professional, or just care about men’s wellbeing — now is the time to act.
Share your experience, insights or evidence to help shape future support.

Submit your views here:
https://consultations.dhsc.gov.uk/mens-health-strategy
Learn more:
https://www.gov.uk/government/calls-for-evidence/mens-health-strategy-for-england-call-for-evidence

Deadline: 17 July 2025

04/07/2025

Can't recommend this enough, even with the removal of my obvious bias! First time I shadowed this as a new Dad Matters Co-ordinator, I picked up things I'd not learnt about baby states and communication I'd not been told anywhere during all three of my perinatal journeys!

New Dad?

We’ve Got You!

Becoming a dad can be exciting — and overwhelming.
Our FREE online New Dad Workshop is here to help you feel more confident, connected and prepared.

✅ What to expect
🧠 Mental wellbeing
👶 Baby bonding
💬 Space to ask questions
🧍‍♂️ Meet other dads

📅 Book your place now:
👉 www.dadmatters.org.uk/workshop or https://shorturl.at/pQLqq